The three-year Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:
The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).
George Brown College continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. This investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, and became part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.
In the third year of the program, students will be involved, hands-on, in real-life projects or case studies. These may be completed independently, in conjunction with an industry partner, or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation, and may include developing proposals and working in teams to plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in the field of Information Technology. Through some of these projects, George Brown students have recently helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the Greater Toronto Area.
This program covers all four courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco’s CCNA Security.
PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and diagnostic tools.
Analyze, plan, design, and implement computer systems.
Analyze, plan, design, and implement networking solutions.
Install, configure, troubleshoot, monitor, maintain, upgrade, and optimize computer systems.
Install, configure, troubleshoot, monitor, maintain, upgrade, and optimize networks.
Use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.
Participate in the deployment and administration of databases within a networked environment.
Plan, develop, and be responsible for data storage to ensure the integrity of information.
Apply knowledge of security issues to the implementation of information technology solutions.
Appraise existing security solutions with a view to ongoing maintenance, development, and improvement of organizational security.
Provide efficient and effective technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing practices and reduces the risk of the issue recurring.
Articulate, defend, and conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.
Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.
EDUCATIONAL/DEGREE PATHWAY
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.